Intelligent use of taxpayer money or the usual college campus socialism?

[^_^ 5,021]

I was at a nearby state university this evening and took this picture with my cell phone camera. It's a Smartcar, being used by campus security to patrol campus.

I do not question the need to have security on a university campus in north jersey. But why a Smartcar? At first glance, it is small enough to get into places most other cars could not go. It is also a car, which means the occupant is enclosed and is (presumably) well heated. And it's not all that expensive either - one can be purchased for less than 13,000 USD.

On the other hand, the Smartcar is clearly un-American. I mean, look at it. It's presence may very well be designed to plant subliminal messages of socialism in the minds of impressionable young students. As if that wasn't bad enough, this ungodly thing is manufactured in France!

So, VJ peanut gallery, what say you? Smart use of taxpayer dollars or socialist boondoggle?

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Sonoma County is big on electric cars. So, they are around. Not popular yet, but not that unusual for us. Lot's of hybrids, though.

[^_^ 5,021]

Sonoma County is big on electric cars. So, they are around. Not popular yet, but not that unusual for us. Lot's of hybrids, though.

Yeah, I see lots of hybrids here in the Union-Middlesex-Somerset counties area too. But I hardly ever see a Smartcar, so when I see one it's a BFD and makes me hanker for some freedom fries. I can almost hear our freedoms being chipped away.

Edited February 1, 2011 by \

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

On the other hand, the Smartcar is clearly un-American. I mean, look at it. It's presence may very well be designed to plant subliminal messages of socialism in the minds of impressionable young students. As if that wasn't bad enough, this ungodly thing is manufactured in France!

Isn't Daimler as American as Toyota is now?

[^_^ 5,021]

Isn't Daimler as American as Toyota is now?

Where is the Smart car made?

Smart is assembled at a Micro Compact Car company plant in Hambach, France.

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/faqs/faqs/where_is_the_smart_car_made?/

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Where is the Smart car made?

Smart is assembled at a Micro Compact Car company plant in Hambach, France.

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/faqs/faqs/where_is_the_smart_car_made?/

That is worse than just French. It is probably built by oppressed Muslim immigrants as well.

Edited February 1, 2011 by Some Old Guy

[^_^ 5,021]

That is worse than just French. Is is probably built by oppressed Muslim immigrants as well.

That oppression is now being subsidized by the American taxpayer.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

I was at a nearby state university this evening and took this picture with my cell phone camera. It's a Smartcar, being used by campus security to patrol campus.

I do not question the need to have security on a university campus in north jersey. But why a Smartcar? At first glance, it is small enough to get into places most other cars could not go. It is also a car, which means the occupant is enclosed and is (presumably) well heated. And it's not all that expensive either - one can be purchased for less than 13,000 USD.

On the other hand, the Smartcar is clearly un-American. I mean, look at it. It's presence may very well be designed to plant subliminal messages of socialism in the minds of impressionable young students. As if that wasn't bad enough, this ungodly thing is manufactured in France!

So, VJ peanut gallery, what say you? Smart use of taxpayer dollars or socialist boondoggle?

Boondoggle!!!

[^_^ 5,021]

Boondoggle!!!

You crazy RWN.

[Ban Hammer 12,839]

So, VJ peanut gallery, what say you? Smart use of taxpayer dollars or socialist boondoggle?

the latter. you can get a pretty good electric car for the same purpose for about 8k

[^_^ 5,021]

the latter. you can get a pretty good electric car for the same purpose for about 8k

Which one?

[Danno 1,228]

It's one step up from a golf cart......or not.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

That oppression is now being subsidized by the American taxpayer.

Well as long as it's not over here, we Americans don't have to worry, right?

Those stupid looking little cars will never catch on here anyway. There's no room for a gun rack in the back window.

[^_^ 5,021]

It's one step up from a golf cart......or not.

Are there heated golf carts? The weather being what it is today, I imagine it's nice being able to patrol campus while staying warm.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Are there heated golf carts? The weather being what it is today, I imagine it's nice being able to patrol campus while staying warm.

Isn't warmth socialism?